Dear Friends,
With the end of 2016 fast approaching, it’s that time of the year when we begin to jot down some New Year’s Resolutions. Come January, most of us would have compiled a list of things we would like to achieve in the New Year. The most common being losing weight and giving up smoking. Sure, those are great starts but there are other resolutions that can greatly improve your health which you may not have considered.
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Below, you will find 10 essential tips to live by which you may want to incorporate into your New Year’s plan as a means to enjoy a healthier life.
10 healthy living tips for 2017
Stop smoking: Even if you’re a social smoker you are still causing irreversible damage to your body. So whether you smoke a pack a day or even just one, make 2017 the year you finally stop the habit. Smoking is linked with a slew of health conditions, so really, just by cutting out this habit, you are already taking one of the biggest steps to healthier living.
Stop fake tanning: Indoor tanning beds have been in the spotlight in the last several years as they can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. Furthermore, tanning beds are associated with premature wrinkles and are known to speed up the aging of your skin.
Eat chocolate: Don’t deprive yourself when dieting; you’re only setting yourself up for disaster. Having a small treat like dark chocolate can keep you on the right track to sticking to your diet and achieving your weight loss goals.
Know your numbers: No matter what your age is, knowing your numbers – cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. – is a good place to begin to take control over your health. Simple blood testing can provide you valuable insight into your health so that you can make decisions based on what you really need, not what you think you need.
Exercise regularly: Another obvious one which you may have tried in the past to do, but did not really commit to. In 2017, make commitment to an exercise program a top priority. All you need is 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week. Trying to get in as much movement as possible can go a long way in improving your overall health. But that doesn’t mean you have to purchase a gym membership. Physical activity can occur anywhere, whether you are completing chores, or choosing to stand at your desk for greater periods of time. Remember, any little bit helps.
Look into your family history: Did you know many health conditions may actually run in families? If you aren’t familiar with your family medical history, start asking some questions in 2017. Did your grandmother have breast cancer? Did your grandfather have heart disease? Getting as far back as possible can help you assess your own health risks in order to make the necessary changes in order to that can help lower the risk.
Drink more tea: If you’re a coffee or latte drinking type, try swapping a few of those cups out for tea. Tea is well known for its health benefits as it’s packed with antioxidants which are known to fight off free radical damage. But remember, for the most benefits opt for black tea – loading your cup of tea with sugar and milk can negate some of those benefits.
Cut out soda: Soda contains high amounts of unwanted sugar. so Not only will this ruin your diet, but excess sugar can have negative affects on your health, too. Try swapping out your soda habit for water. If that’s too boring, try infusing the water with lemon and other fruits.
Get an annual physical: Going to see your doctor annually for a physical is a great way to keep tabs on your health, especially if you haven’t seen your doctor in a while. Even if you feel fine, there are many health conditions which don’t cause symptoms, so something could be going on inside your body without you even knowing. Just seeing your doctor once a year is enough to provide you with some valuable insights. Regular doctor visits can also help you catch any unwanted developments in their early stages.
Make better carb decisions: Start eliminating white carbs as much as possible and instead opt for whole grains. Common white carb culprits include white rice, white bread, and white pasta. Furthermore, for an overall healthy diet, opt for more colorful foods and if your plate is looking a bit too beige, you know you need to make some changes.
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These are just some health tips you can consider when approaching 2017. With a New Year, people also feel renewed, so there is no better time then than now for setting some goals for yourself to keep you motivated. And one more thing, don’t beat yourself up if you’re not completely dedicated to your new changes. Making changes can be hard and you will need time. Beating yourself up will only set you up for failure. Understand that you are human and you might make mistakes, and be guilty of a few lapses, but the goal is to stay on track as much as possible. So whether that takes one month, or the entire 2017, you have time on your side, and as long as you follow your plan reasonably well, you can begin to start improving your health.
Until next week,
Emily
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
